Medal game device and method of controlling the same

ABSTRACT

A medal game device includes a table, a pusher mechanism, a plate-shaped position input device, a medal releasing mechanism, an instruction position recognizing section, and a moving state detecting section. The pusher is configured to drop a medal from an edge of the table by reciprocally moving a moving body. The plate-shaped position input device is configured for a user to input a command. The medal releasing mechanism is configured to release the medal towards the table based on the command. The instruction position recognizing section is configured to recognize a contact position. The moving state detecting section is configured to detect how the instruction means moves on the plate-shaped position input device. The mechanism controlling section is configured to control the medal releasing mechanism in releasing the medal based on the moving state of the instruction means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-204188 filed on Sep. 13, 2010. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-204188 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a medal game, and particularly to, a medal game configured to release a medal towards a release target region provided within a housing thereof and a method of controlling the medal game device.

2. Background Art

The game devices played using a variety of medals (hereinafter referred to as “medal game devices”) have been installed so far in a variety of places such as the video arcades. The medal game devices have been popular among a lot of game players, especially, due to simplicity of their games allowing everybody to enjoy playing them. The simplicity of the games is also the reason for making the medal games popular among game players playing in the video arcades for a long time.

In contrast, some game players have not been interested in such game devices due to simplicity of their games. Because of this, the game providers have developed a variety of medal games so far for making as many current and prospective game players as possible feel and enjoy amusement of the game devices.

For example, Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2010-115245 describes an example of the medal game devices developed so far. The game device includes a medal container part formed in a ship-like shape and is characterized in a dispenser of the medal container part. When a game player winds a small prize, the dispenser of the medal container part is configured to pay out medals accumulated on the medal container part one by one through a release port provided in the medal container part at a predetermined speed. When a game player wins a big prize (e.g., jackpot), in contrast, the medal container part is configured to be tilted for paying out a large number of medals accumulated thereon all at once.

Further, Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-2003-079931 describes another example of the medal game devices including a mechanism configured to reliably pay out a large number of medals when a game player wins a jackpot. When a game player wins a jackpot, the medal container part of the medal game device is configured to be elevated and then split into two portions for vigorously scattering medals. A large number of medals accumulated on the medal container part is thereby paid out all at once.

As described above, a variety of improvements have been done for the mechanism of the medal container part in the well-known medal game devices. One of the reasons for this is in easiness of controlling the mechanism of the medal container part. For example, the mechanism of the medal container part can be easily controlled as described above only by detecting the timing of paying out medals from the medal container part.

It should be noted that the aforementioned medal game devices allow a game player to shoot medals using a medal shooter and the shot medals are accumulated on the medal container part. Japan Laid-open Patent Application Publication No. 2002-239205 describes an example of the recent medal shooters. The medal shooter includes a sensor attached thereto and is configured to reliably shoot a medal in its first shot in an appropriate trajectory produced in exerting its original performance. Specifically, the sensor attached to the medal shooter of this type is disposed in the vicinity of a medal slot for detecting approach of fingers of a game player. A driving motor is configured to be driven when the fingers approach the medal slot and the sensor detects approach of the fingers. In other words, the medal shooter is configured to preliminarily rotate the driving motor before a medal is inserted into the medal slot. Accordingly, the medal shooter can shoot a medal under the condition that the driving motor is stably rotated.

SUMMARY

When operating the aforementioned well-known game devices, game players have manually determined the timing of inserting medals into the medal slot, the direction of shooting medals and so forth based on their own feelings. The operation is too monotonous for game players, although it is the only operation performed in playing the medal games. Therefore, the well-known game devices have had a drawback that game players do not feel amusement in the operation. In view of this, the game providers have recently tried to develop the medal games for resolving the drawback.

When actually developing the medal games for resolving the aforementioned drawback, however, the game providers found that a lot of sensory factors were involved in the part manually operated by game players in the well-known medal games and therefore it is technically difficult to incorporate amusement in the part. As a result, development has not actually proceeded for the part against intention of the game providers.

The present invention has been produced in view of the above and addresses a need to provide a medal game device allowing a game player to intuitively operate a medal in an amusing manner.

A medal game device includes a table, a pusher mechanism, a plate-shaped position input device, a medal releasing mechanism, an instruction position recognizing section, and a moving state detecting section. The table is configured to keep a medal on a surface thereof. The table includes an edge. The pusher mechanism includes a moving body. The pusher is configured to drop a medal from the edge of the table by reciprocally moving the moving body. The plate-shaped position input device is configured for a user to input a command. The medal releasing mechanism is configured to release the medal towards the table based on the command. The instruction position recognizing section being configured to recognize a contact position of instruction means onto the plate-shaped position input device. The moving state detecting section is configured to detect how the instruction means moves on the plate-shaped position input device while the instruction means is in contact with the plate-shaped position input device. The mechanism controlling section is configured to control the medal releasing mechanism in releasing the medal based on the moving state of the instruction means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a medal game device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram for showing a medal releasing mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for showing a medal holding unit;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for showing a pusher mechanism;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary functional block diagram of the medal game device;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for showing a position recognizing pattern of a touch panel;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for showing a control pattern of a transporting unit;

FIG. 8 includes a variety of tables for setting the transporting speed of the transporting unit; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control to be executed by the medal game device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Pusher Game Device Structure

The following relates to explanation of components related to the structure of a medal game device 1 using a medal dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of the medal game device 1. The following explanation is based on an exemplary case that the medal game device 1 is a pusher game device.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medal game device 1 includes a plurality of game device main bodies 10, a plurality of medal accumulating units 11, a plurality of pusher mechanisms 12, a plurality of medal slots 13, a plurality of operating display units 14, a plurality of medal releasing mechanisms 15, a plurality of medal falling holes 16, a plurality of medal receiving ports 17, and a plurality of medal releasing ports 18.

The plural game device main bodies 10 are herein circularly aligned. Each game device main body 10 is provided with the single medal accumulating unit 11, the single medal slot 13, the single operating display unit 14, the single medal releasing mechanism 15 (see FIG. 2), the single pusher mechanism 12, the single medal falling hole 16, and the single medal receiving port 17. It should be noted that FIG. 1 illustrates only one of the game device main bodies 10 in detail.

The medal accumulating unit 11 is disposed in the inside of the game device main body 10 for accumulating medals thereon. The medal accumulating unit 11 has a top surface formed in a flat plate shape for accumulating medals thereon.

The medal slot 13 is an opening allowing a game player to insert a single or a plurality of medals therein. The medal slot 13 is formed on the outer surface of the front face of the game device main body 10. A plurality of medals can be herein simultaneously inserted into the medal slot 13.

The operating display unit 14 is a screen operated by a game player for releasing a single or a plurality of medals. The operating display unit 14 is disposed on the outer surface of the front face of the game device main body 10. The operating display unit 14 is a plate-shaped position inputting device such as a monitor of an electrostatic contact input type. The electrostatic contact input monitor (i.e., a touch panel monitor) will be hereinafter referred to as a touch panel 14.

The medal releasing mechanism 15 is configured to release a single or a plurality of medals towards the medal accumulating unit 11 through the medal releasing port 18 formed in the game device main body 10 based on a game player's operation through the operating display unit 14. The medal releasing mechanism 15 includes a number-of-medal detecting device 15 a, a medal holding unit 15 b, a shutter mechanism 15 c, and a transporting unit 15 d.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the number-of-medal detecting device 15 a (e.g., a count hopper) is configured to count the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 13. The count hopper 15 a is attached to the inside of the game device main body 10 while being disposed below the medal slot 13. The count hopper 15 a is configured to supply a single or a plurality of medals to the medal holding unit 15 b disposed adjacent thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the medal holding unit 15 b includes, for instance, a rotary disc 115 b. The rotary disc 115 b is a device configured to receive a single or a plurality of medals supplied from the count hopper 15 a. The rotary disc 115 b is rotatably attached to the inside of the game device main body 10 while being disposed in the vicinity of the count hopper 15 a. The rotary disc 115 b includes a plurality of medal holding apertures 215 b. Each medal holding aperture 215 b holds a medal supplied from the count hopper 15 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shutter mechanism 15 c is configured to supply a single or a plurality of medals from the rotary disc 115 b to the transporting unit 15 d. The shutter mechanism 15 c is disposed in the inside of the game device main body 10 while being interposed between the rotary disc 115 b and the transporting unit 15 d. The shutter mechanism 15 c includes an aperture 115 c (i.e., a shutter aperture) allowing a medal to pass therethrough, and the center of the aperture 115 c is configured to be aligned with the center of each medal holding aperture 215 b when each medal holding aperture 215 b is positioned on the aperture 115 c. Further, the center of the shutter aperture 115 c is aligned with the rotary axis of a rotary unit 315 d to be described. Accordingly, a single or a plurality of medals can be reliably supplied to the transporting unit 15 d even when the transporting unit 15 d pivots.

The shutter mechanism 15 c is configured to open or close the shutter for determining whether or not a single or a plurality of medals held by the medal holding apertures 215 b should be supplied to the transporting unit 15 d. Specifically when the shutter is opened as illustrated in FIG. 2, a single or a plurality of medals held by the medal holding apertures 215 b is supplied to the transporting unit 15 d in the position depicted with hatched lines in FIG. 3. Further, no shutter aperture 115 c is formed below the non-hatched medal holding apertures 215 b illustrated in FIG. 3. Therefore, a single or a plurality of medals held by the medal holding apertures 215 b is supplied to the transporting unit 15 d one by one.

The transporting unit 15 d is configured to receive a single or a plurality of medals from the rotary disc 115 b and transport the received medal/medals to the medal releasing port 18. The transporting unit 15 d is pivotably attached to the inside of the game device main body 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the transporting unit 15 d includes a transporting unit main body 115 d, a pair of belts 215 d and the rotary unit 315 d configured to make the belts 215 d horizontally pivot. The transporting unit main body 115 d is attached to the inside of the game device main body 10.

The transporting unit main body 115 d has a rectangular tubular shape and accommodates the belts 215 d to be described. The transporting unit main body 115 d further includes a supply aperture 115 d′ penetrating through the top thereof for supplying a single or a plurality of medals from the rotary disc 115 b to the belts 215 d.

The belts 215 d are next to each other in the vertical direction. Each belt 215 d is stretched over a pair of pulleys. The respective pulleys for each belt 215 d are rotatably attached to the inside of the transporting unit main body 115 d. Further, at least either of the paired pulleys of each belt 215 d is configured to be driven by a driving motor (not illustrated in the figures).

Yet further, a transporting speed VB of each belt 215 d can be changed by the driving motor. The transporting speeds VB of the paired belts 215 d, i.e., the transporting speeds VB of the two belts 215 d are set to be identical. Accordingly, a single or a plurality of medals is transported to the medal releasing port 18 while being interposed and held between the belts 215 d. It should be noted that the medal releasing speed is herein determined in accordance with the magnitude of the transporting speeds VB of the paired belts 215 d.

The rotary unit 315 d is attached to the bottom of the transporting unit 15 d, for instance, the bottom of the transporting unit main body 115 d. More specifically, the rotary unit 315 d is attached to the bottom of the transporting unit main body 115 d while being disposed below the shutter. The rotary unit 315 d is configured to be rotated by the driving motor (not illustrated in the figures). The transporting unit main body 115 d (i.e., the transporting unit 15 d) is herein configured to pivot in conjunction with rotation of the rotary unit 315 d. In other words, the medal releasing direction is determined in accordance with pivot of the transporting unit 15 d. Specifically, the medal releasing direction is determined by the pivot angle of the transporting unit 15 d.

The pusher mechanism 12 is configured to push medals accumulated on the medal accumulating unit 11. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the pusher mechanism 12 is specifically configured to reciprocate a pusher unit 12 a disposed on the medal accumulating unit 11 back and forth along the top of the medal accumulating unit 11. The pusher unit 12 a is slidably configured to reciprocate on the medal accumulating unit 11, specifically in a range between the rear part and the center part of the medal accumulating unit 11 in the depth direction of the game device main body 10. When one or more of the medals accumulated on the medal accumulating unit 11 fall into the medal falling hole 16 by the reciprocation of the pusher unit 12 a on the medal accumulating unit 11, a game player is allowed to receive the fallen medal/medals through the medal receiving port 17. It should be noted that FIG. 4 only illustrates the main components required for explaining the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention without illustrating the internal components of the game device main body 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the medal falling hole 16 is a part that one or more of the medals falls when pushed by the pusher mechanism 12. The medal falling hole 16 is formed in the inside of the game device main body 10 while being disposed between the medal accumulating unit 11 and a front face 10 a (i.e., a medal release plane) of the game device main body 10. More specifically, the medal falling hole 16 is formed in the inside of the game device main body 10 while being disposed between the medal accumulating unit 11 and the medal releasing mechanism 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the medal receiving port 17 is a part allowing a game player to receive a single or a plurality of medals fallen into the medal falling hole 16. The medal receiving port 17 is formed in the lower part of the outer surface of the front face of the game device main body 10.

Control Configuration of Pusher Game Device

Next, functions of the medal game device 1 will be hereinafter explained. As represented in FIG. 5, the medal game device 1 includes a storage unit 30, a control unit 31, an image display unit 32, and a sound output unit 33. The storage unit 30 is configured to store a variety of data. The control unit 31 is configured to control the respective components of each game device main body 10. The image display unit 32 is configured to display an image.

The storage unit 30 is configured to store a variety of data. The storage unit 30 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30 a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 30 b. The ROM 30 a is configured to store preliminarily defined programs, data, parameters and so forth (e.g., basic programs, basic data, and basic parameters). The RAM 30 b is configured to temporarily store, for instance, a variety of programs, a variety of data, and currently processed data.

The control unit 31 is configured to execute a variety of controls and processing using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 a. The CPU 31 a is configured to read out from the ROM 30 a control programs related to a variety of controls for executing the controls in the medal game device 1. Further, the CPU 31 a is configured to read out from the ROM 30 a processing programs related to a variety of calculations for executing the calculations in the medal game device 1.

For example, the CPU 31 a is configured to issue a variety of commands such as control commands and calculation commands to the external components based on the control programs and the processing programs. A variety of data is read out from the ROM 30 a and is stored in the RAM 30 b in response to the commands from the CPU 31 a. The CPU 31 a is then configured to execute a variety of processing using the data stored in the RAM 30 b, and in turn, store the data indicating the processing result in the RAM 30 b.

The image display unit 32 is configured to execute processing related to display of an image. The image display unit 32 includes the touch panel 14. The touch panel 14 is configured to generate an electric field on the entire surface thereof. When an instruction means (e.g., a finger or a conductive stylus pen) is contacted onto the surface of the touch panel 14 under the condition, the surface charge of the liquid crystal display surface of the touch panel 14 is changed. Change of the surface charge is tracked and the positional information of the instruction means (e.g., a finger or a stylus pen) is thereby detected. The herein detected positional information is stored in the RAM 30 b. The positional information includes, for instance, the positional coordinate data indicating the contact position of the instruction means. When the positional coordinate data is detected, the detected positional coordinate data is stored in the RAM 30 b.

Further, the touch panel 14 is configured to display an image using the image data. For example, when the CPU 31 a issues an image display command, the image data and the positional coordinate data indicating the display position of the image data are supplied to the touch panel 14 from either the ROM 30 a or the RAM 30 b. Accordingly, the touch panel 14 is configured to display an image corresponding to the image data in the position indicated by the positional coordinate data.

It should be noted that the information required for controlling images are stored in either the ROM 30 a or the RAM 30 b and are read out from either the ROM 30 a or the RAM 30 b as needed. When the information required for controlling images are derived from calculations, in contrast, the CPU 31 a is configured to execute the calculations. The data related to the calculations are stored in the RAM 30 b.

Functions of Pusher Game Device

As represented in FIG. 5, a detected region recognizing section 50, an instruction position recognizing section 51, a contact frequency recognizing section 52, a moving state detecting section 53, a mechanism controlling section 54 and an image controlling section 55 are configured to be executed in the control unit 31. It should be noted that the term “position” can be hereinafter referred to as “the positional coordinate” and “the positional coordinate data”.

In executing the detected region recognizing section 50, the CPU 31 a is configured to recognize a detection target region RK for detecting a moving state of the instruction means. The detection target region RK is herein set in a lower region on the touch panel 14 (see a roughly strip-shaped portion enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 6). Accordingly, the CPU 31 a is configured to detect a moving state of the instruction means only within the detection target region RK (i.e., the lower region on the touch panel 14). In other words, the CPU 31 a is configured not to recognize the moving state of the instruction means in the upper region on the touch panel 14, i.e., the other regions of the touch panel 14 excluding the detection target region RK.

In executing the instruction position recognizing section 51, the CPU 31 a is configured to recognize a contact position PS of the instruction means on the touch panel 14 when the instruction means is contacted onto the touch panel 14. Specifically, when the touch panel 14 detects the information of the contact position PS of the instruction means contacted thereon, the CPU 31 a is configured to recognize the information of the contact position PS and store it in the RAM 30 b.

In executing the contact frequency recognizing section 52, the CPU 31 a is configured to recognize a contact frequency KS of the instruction means on the touch panel 14 when the instruction means is contacted onto the touch panel 14. The CPU 31 a is then configured to store the information corresponding to the contact frequency KS in the RAM 30 b.

In executing the moving state detecting section 53, the CPU 31 a is configured to detect the moving state of the instruction means moved based on the contact position PS when the instruction means is moved in contact with the touch panel 14. Specifically, the CPU 31 a is configured to detect the moving state of the instruction means within the detection target region RK based on the information of the contact position PS of the instruction means when the instruction means is moved in contact with the touch panel 14 within the detection target region RK. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the CPU 31 a is specifically configured to detect a moving direction HS of the instruction means and either a moving speed VS of the instruction means or a moving distance DS of the instruction means from the contact position PS of the instruction means.

In executing the mechanism controlling section 54, the CPU 31 a is configured to control the medal releasing mechanism 15 based on the moving state of the instruction means. Specifically, the CPU 31 a is configured to control the medal releasing mechanism 15 based on the moving direction HS of the instruction means and at least either of the moving speed VS of the instruction means and the moving distance DS of the instruction means. More specifically, the CPU 31 a is configured to set a medal releasing direction DM in the medal releasing mechanism 15 based on the moving distance HS of the instruction means, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Further, the CPU 31 a is configured to set a medal releasing speed VM in the medal releasing mechanism 15 based on at least either of the moving speed VS of the instruction means and the moving distance DS of the instruction means. Further in executing the mechanism controlling section 54, the CPU 31 a is configured to control the medal releasing mechanism 15 for releasing a predetermined number of medals corresponding to the contact frequency KS of the instruction means. The medal releasing mechanism 15 is thus controlled for releasing a single or a plurality of medals.

In executing the image controlling section 55, the CPU 31 a is configured to control the moving state of a medal image MG to be displayed on the touch panel 14. Specifically in executing the image controlling section 55, the CPU 31 a is configured to control the movement of the medal image MG to be displayed on the touch panel 14 based on the moving direction HS of the instruction means and at least either of the moving speed VS of the instruction means and the moving distance DS of the instruction means. Specifically, the CPU 31 a is configured to set a moving direction HI of the medal image MG based on the moving direction HS of the instruction means. Further, the CPU 31 a is configured to set a period of time TS required for controlling the medal releasing mechanism 15 (i.e., a control required time) based on the moving direction HS of the instruction means and at least either of the moving speed VS of the instruction means or the moving distance DS of the instruction means. The CPU 31 a is then configured to set a moving speed VI of the medal image MG based on the control required time TS.

Further, a position detecting section 60, a first image displaying section 61 and a second image displaying section 62 are executed in the image display unit 32.

In executing the position detecting section 60, the touch panel 14 is configured to detect the contact position PS of the instruction means on the touch panel 14 when the instruction means is contacted onto the touch panel 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Specifically, the touch panel 14 is configured to detect the information of the contact position PS of the instruction means contacted onto the touch panel 14. It should be noted that the information of the contact position PS includes the coordinate data. The coordinate data is defined where a predetermined position on the touch panel 14 (e.g., a position PG of the bottom left corner on the touch panel 14) is set as the origin of the coordinate.

In executing the first image displaying section 61, the image display unit 32 (e.g., the touch panel 14) is configured to display the medal image MG corresponding to a real medal as illustrated in FIG. 6. Further, the touch panel 14 is configured to display the moving state of the medal image MG for indicating the moving state of the medal. Specifically in executing the first image displaying section 61, the touch panel 14 is configured to display the medal image MG moving at the speed VI set based on the control required time TS. The speed VI is the aforementioned moving speed of the medal image MG. The direction HI for moving the medal image MG displayed on the touch panel 14 (i.e., the moving direction of the medal Image MG) corresponds to the moving direction HS of the instruction means.

In executing the second image displaying section 62, the image display unit 32 (e.g., the touch panel 14) is configured to display the number of medals CN1 corresponding to the contact frequency KS as illustrated in FIG. 6. Although described below, the number of medals corresponding to the numeric value of CN1 is configured to be consecutively released one by one after execution of a game player's operation. When the numeric value of CN1 is equal to 1, for instance, a single medal is configured to be released. When the numeric value of CN1 is equal to 3, on the other hand, totally three medals are consecutively released by releasing the medals one by one three times. Further, the touch panel 14 is configured to display the number of medals CN2 inserted into the medal slot 13 by a game player. The number of medals CN1 corresponding to the contact frequency KS also indicates the frequency that the CPU 31 a detects the positional information. Further, the number of medals CN2, which indicates the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 13 by a game player, is calculated by the number-of-medal detecting device (e.g., the count hopper 15 a). It should be noted that the CPU 31 a is configured to store in the RAM 30 b the number of medals CN1 corresponding to the contact frequency KS and the number of medals CN2 inserted into the medal slot 13 by a game player.

Further, a sound processing section 70 is executed in the sound output unit 33.

In executing the sound processing section 70, the sound output unit 33 is configured to control sounds to be outputted from the pusher game device 1. In executing the sound processing section 70, the sound output unit 33 is configured to generate an analogue sound signal in response to a sound producing command from the CPU 31 a and output it to a speaker 33 a.

The control unit 31, the image display unit 32, the storage unit 30, and the sound output unit 33 are connected to a bus 71. Through the bus 71, the control unit 31, the image display unit 32, the storage unit 30 and the sound output unit 33 are respectively configured to send and receive a variety of commands and a variety of information (e.g., a variety of data).

Actions and Controls of Pusher Game Device

Actions and controls of the medal game device 1 configured above will be hereinafter explained. A control and processing flowchart represented in FIG. 9 will be hereinafter simultaneously explained.

When a game player inserts a single or a plurality of medals into the medal slot 13, the count hopper 15 a accommodates the inserted medal/medals. The count hopper 15 a herein calculates the number of medals (Step S1). The CPU 31 a then recognizes the number of medals calculated in the count hopper 15 a. Further, the CPU 31 a stores the number of medals in the RAM 30 b. In response, the touch panel 14 displays the medal image MG to be used as an operating target of the game player and the number of medals (i.e., the number of releasing medals CN1, the number of inserted medals CN2) (Step S2).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the touch panel 14 specifically displays the medal image MG on the lower center part of the detection target region RK (i.e., the lower region on the touch panel 14). It should be noted that the touch panel 14 herein displays the medal image MG under the condition that the center of the medal image MG is overlapped with the rotary axis of the rotary unit 315 d of the transporting unit 15 d to be described. It should be also noted that the initial display position of the medal image MG (e.g., the coordinate data of the center of the medal image MG) has been preliminarily stored in the ROM 30 a and the CPU 31 a reads out the coordinate data from the ROM 30 a and issues a display command to the touch panel 14.

Further, the touch panel 14 displays the number of releasing medals CN1 (hereinafter referred to as “a first display number”) and the number of inserted medals CN2 (hereinafter referred to as “a second display number”) on the upper right corner thereof. It should be noted in FIG. 6 that the first display number CN1 is 0 (medals) while the second display number CN2 is 10 (medals). Further, the numeric value of the first display number CN1 is increased in accordance with the contact frequency KS to be described, whereas the value of the second display number CN2 is reduced in accordance with the contact frequency KS to be described.

Subsequently, a single or a plurality of medals is supplied from the count hopper 15 a to the rotary disc 115 b (Step S3). Specifically, the CPU 31 a issues a medal supply command when the touch panel 14 displays the medal image MG and the first and second display numbers CN1 and CN2. The single or the plurality of medals within the count hopper 15 a is then supplied to the rotary disc 115 b in response to the medal supply command. The single or the plurality of supplied medals is fitted into the medal holding apertures 215 b of the rotary disc 115 b and the rotary disc 115 b is rotated.

When the game player aims at the medal image MG as an operating target and touches his/her finger onto the touch panel 14 within the detection target region RK (e.g., in a position of the medal image MG displayed within the detection target region RK) as illustrated in FIG. 6, the touch panel 14 detects the contact position PS of the game player's finger on the touch panel 14 (Step S4). Accordingly, the CPU 31 a recognizes the contact position PS. It should be noted that FIG. 6 illustrates the contact position PS of the game player's finger on the center of the medal image MG. However, the contact position PS of the game player's finger is not necessarily set to be on the center of the medal image MG.

Next, the CPU 31 a stores the contact position PS in the RAM 30 b. When the game player's finger is herein contacted onto the touch panel 14 a plurality of times, for instance, the touch panel 14 detects a plurality of the contact positions PS (including a final contact position to be described) of the game player's finger on the touch panel 14. The CPU 31 a then recognizes the plural contact positions PS and stores them in the RAM 30 b.

Further, the CPU 31 a detects a point of time TJ (i.e., a point of time in contact) when the game player's finger is contacted onto the touch panel 14 (Step S5). The CPU 31 a then stores the point of time TJ in the RAM 30 b. For example, when the game player's finger is contacted onto the touch panel 14 a plurality of times, the CPU 31 a stores in the RAM 30 b a plurality of the points of time TJ in the plural contacts (including a point of time TJ1 in the final contact position to be described).

Next, the CPU 31 a calculates the contact frequency KS of the game player's finger contacted onto the touch panel 14 and stores the contact frequency KS in the RAM 30 b (Step S6). Then, the touch panel 14 updates and displays the second display number CN2 of the medals calculated by subtracting the number of medals corresponding to the contact frequency KS from the original second display number CN2. On the other hand, the touch panel 14 herein updates and displays the first display number CN1 of the medals calculated by adding the number of medals corresponding to the contact frequency KS to the original first display number CN1 (Step S7).

Next, when the game player's finger is moved in contact with the touch panel 14 within the detection target region RK in a desired direction at a desired speed and is then separated away from the touch panel 14, the CPU 31 a detects a moving state of the game player's finger based on a contact position PSo (the final contact position) of the game player's finger immediately before the movement of the game player's finger (Step S8).

Specifically, the CPU 31 a detects the moving direction HS of the game player's finger, the moving speed VS of the game player's finger and the moving distance DS of the game player's finger within the detection target region RK based on the final contact position PSo. The moving direction HS of the game player's finger is hereinafter referred to as a first moving state of the game player's finger, whereas the moving speed VS and the moving distance DS of the game player's finger are referred to as a second moving state of the game player's finger. Thus, the first and second moving states of the game player's finger constitute the moving state of the game player's finger.

First, the CPU 31 a herein reads out the final contact position PSo from the RAM 30 b and recognizes it, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Next, when the game player's finger is moved in contact with the touch panel 14 within the detection target region RK in a desired direction at a desired speed (see FIG. 4) and is then separated away from the touch panel 14, the touch panel 14 detects a position PD (i.e., a separated position) of the game player's finger separated away from the touch panel 14. The CPU 31 a then recognizes the separated position PD and stores it in the RAM 30 b. Further, the CPU 31 a recognizes a point of time TJ2 when the game player's finger is separated away from the touch panel 14 and stores it in the RAM 30 b.

Next, the CPU 31 a calculates an angle HS formed by a straight line connecting the final contact position PSo and the separated position PD and a reference line (e.g., the horizontal line) passing through the final contact position PSo. The CPU 31 a then stores the angle HS in the RAM 30 b as an angle for determining the moving direction of the game player's finger. It should be noted in the present exemplary embodiment that the angle HS for determining the moving direction of the game player's finger can be referred to as “the moving direction of the game player's finger (the first moving state of the game player's finger)”.

Further, the CPU 31 a calculates a length DS of a line segment connecting the final contact position PSo and the separated position PD. The CPU 31 a then stores the length DS of the line segment in the RAM 30 b as the moving distance of the game player's finger. Further, the CPU 31 a reads out from the RAM 30 b the point of time TJ1 (i.e., a first time) when the CPU 31 a recognizes the final contact position PSo and the point of time TJ2 (i.e., a second time) when the CPU 31 a recognizes the separated position PD. The CPU 31 a then calculates a period of time DTJ elapsing when the game player's finger is moved on and is then separated away from the touch panel 14 using the first time TJ1 and the second time TJ2 (i.e., the moving time DTJ=the second time TJ2−the first time TJ1). Further, the CPU 31 a calculates the moving speed VS of the game player's finger using the moving time DTJ and the length DS of the line segment connecting the final contact position PSo and the separated position PD (i.e., the moving speed VS=DS/DTJ).

When the game player's finger is herein separated away from the touch panel 14 in a position outside the detection target region RK, the CPU 31 a calculates a position on the boundary of the detection target region RK that the game player's finger is moved across (see a triangle symbol in FIG. 6). The CPU 31 a then recognizes the position on the boundary of the detection target region RK as the separated position PD and stores it in the RAM 30 b. Further, the CPU 31 a recognizes a point of time when the game player's finger is moved across the boundary of the detection target region RK as the second time TJ2 and stores it in the RAM 30 b.

Next, the CPU 31 a sets the release direction DM of a real medal in the medal releasing mechanism 15 based on the first moving state of the game player's finger, i.e., the moving direction HS of the game player's finger (Step S9). Specifically, the CPU 31 a sets a pivot angle DM of the transporting unit 15 d corresponding to the moving direction HS of the game player's finger. More specifically, the CPU 31 a reads out from the RAM 30 b the angle HS indicating the moving direction of the game player's finger and sets the angle HS as the pivot angle DM of the transporting unit 15 d (a pair of the belts 215 d), as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Next, the CPU 31 a sets the transporting speed VB of the real medal in the medal releasing mechanism 15 based on the second moving state, i.e., the moving speed VS and the moving distance DS of the game player's finger (Step S10). The transporting speed VB of the real medal is substantially the same as the aforementioned transporting speed of the paired belts 215 d. The CPU 31 a herein sets the transporting speed VB of the paired belts 215 d corresponding to the transporting speed of the real medal based on the moving speed VS and the moving distance DS of the game player's finger.

The following relates to explanation of an exemplary case that the transporting speed VB of the paired belts 215 d is set based on the second moving state, i.e., the moving speed VS and the moving distance DS of the game player's finger.

First, the CPU 31 a reads out the moving speed VS of the game player's finger from the RAM 30 b and rates the moving speed VS of the game player's finger on predetermined levels (e.g., five levels). As specifically represented in FIG. 8A, the ROM 30 a has preliminarily stored a table indicating the correspondence between ranges of the moving speed VS of the game player's finger and the speed levels Jv. With reference to the correspondence table, the CPU 31 a sets the speed level Jv to be any one of the levels corresponding to the respective ranges of the moving speed VS of the game player's finger.

In FIG. 8A, each of boundary values a1, a2, a3 and a4 in the respective ranges of the moving speed VS is set to be a predetermined value. The boundary values a1, a2, a3 and a4 in the respective ranges of the moving speed VS satisfy the relation “0<a1<a2<a3<a4”. Specifically in the moving speed VS, the boundary value a1 is set to be a predetermined value less than 10 (cm/s), whereas the boundary value a2 is set to be a predetermined value within a range of greater than or equal to 10 (cm/s) and less than 50 (cm/s). Further, the boundary value a3 is set to be a predetermined value within a range of greater than or equal to 50 (cm/s) and less than 100 (cm/s), whereas the boundary value a4 is set to be a predetermined value greater than or equal to 100 (cm/s).

Next, the CPU 31 a reads out the moving distance DS of the game player's finger from the RAM 30 b and rates the moving distance DS of the game player's finger on predetermined levels (e.g., five levels). As specifically represented in FIG. 8B, the ROM 30 a has preliminarily stored a table indicating the correspondence between ranges of the moving distance DS of the game player's finger and the distance levels Jd. With reference to the correspondence table, the CPU 31 a sets the distance level Jd to be any one of the levels corresponding to the respective ranges of the moving distance DS of the game player's finger.

In FIG. 8B, each of boundary values b1, b2, b3 and b4 in the respective ranges of the moving distance DS is set to be a predetermined value. The boundary values b1, b2, b3 and b4 in the respective ranges of the moving distances DS satisfy the relation “0<b1<b2<b3<b4”. Specifically in the moving distance DS, the boundary value b1 is set to be 5 (cm), whereas the boundary value b2 is set to be 10 (cm). Further, the boundary value b3 is set to be 15 (cm), whereas the boundary value b4 is set to be 20 (cm).

Next, the CPU 31 a rates the moving state of the game player's finger based on the speed level Jv and the distance level Jd. Specifically, the CPU 31 a multiplies the above set levels, i.e., the speed level Jv and the distance level Jd, and recognizes the product result Jr (=Jv×Jd) as a rated result. The CPU 31 a then stores the rated result Jr (i.e., the product result) in the RAM 30 b.

Subsequently, the CPU 31 a sets the transporting speed VB of the belts 215 d using the product result Jr (i.e., the rated result) calculated by multiplying the speed level Jv and the distance level Jd. Specifically, the CPU 31 a reads out the aforementioned rated result Jr from the RAM 30 b and recognizes it as a transporting speed level of the belts 215 d. The CPU 31 a then reads out from the ROM 30 a a table (see FIG. 8C) indicating the correspondence between ranges of the transporting speed levels Jr of the belts 215 d and the transporting speeds VB (i.e., a set transporting speed) of the belts 215 d. Further, the CPU 31 a recognizes the transporting speed VB of the belts 215 d corresponding to the transporting speed level Jr of the belts 215 d based on the correspondence table. The CPU 31 a then stores the transporting speed VB of the belts 215 d as the set transporting speed VBf in the RAM 30 b.

In FIG. 8C, the transporting speeds VBf corresponding to the respective ranges of the rated results Jr are set to be predetermined values c1, c2, c3, c4 and c5. The transporting speeds c1, c2, c3, c4 and c5 satisfy the relation “0<c1<c2<c3<c4<c5”. Specifically, when the rated result Jr falls in a range of 1 to 5, the corresponding transporting speed c1 is set to be 20 (cm/s). When the rated result Jr falls in a range of 6 to 10, the corresponding transporting speed c2 is set to be 40 (cm/s). Further, when the rated speed Jr falls in a range of 11 to 15, the corresponding transporting speed C3 is set to be 60 (cm/s). When the rated result Jr falls in a range of 16 to 20, the corresponding transporting speed c4 is set to be 80 (cm/s). Yet further, when the rated result Jr falls in a range of 21 to 25, the corresponding transporting speed c5 is set to be 100 (cm/s).

It should be noted that parameters in FIGS. 8A to 8C are exemplary only and can be adjusted as needed. The medal releasing speed can be optimally set by adjusting the respective parameters in the correspondence tables depending on the size, type, and etc. of the game device.

It should be noted that the correspondence tables are herein configured to be read out from the ROM 30 a in the aforementioned exemplary configuration. However, the correspondence tables can be configured to be supplied from the ROM 30 a to the RAM 30 b and then read out from the RAM 30 b when the medal game device 1 is powered on and activated.

Next, the CPU 31 a sets a period of time required for controlling the medal releasing mechanism 15 (i.e., the control required time TS) based on the moving speed VS of the game player's finger (Step S11). The control required time TS is herein set as the sum of a period of time T1 required for the pivot of the transporting unit 15 d (i.e., a pivot time) and a period of time T2 required for the transporting unit 15 d to transport the first medal (i.e., a transporting time).

Specifically, a correspondence table (not illustrated in the figures) is provided for defining a period of time required for rotating the rotary unit 315 d once from an angle of 0 in an unmoving state to a predetermined angle within an angular range of 0 to 180 degrees. The correspondence table has been preliminarily stored in the ROM 30 a. With reference to the correspondence table, the CPU 31 a recognizes the period of time T1 (i.e., the pivot time) required for rotating the rotary unit 315 d from the angle in the unmoving state to the pivot angle DM with reference to the correspondence table. The CPU 31 a then stores the pivot time T1 in the RAM 30 b.

Further, the transporting time T2 is a period of time elapsing from a point of time when the first medal is supplied to the transporting unit 15 d to a point of time when the first medal reaches the medal releasing port 18. The CPU 31 a calculates a distance LM (i.e., a medal transporting distance) between a position Po and a position PS using the aforementioned pivot angle DM of the transporting unit 15 d. The position Po is herein set as a position on the transporting unit 15 d where the medal is supplied, whereas the position PS is set as a position on the medal releasing port 18.

Specifically, the CPU 31 a divides a distance Lo by cos α. The distance Lo is herein set as a perpendicular distance from the position Po on the transporting unit 15 d where the medal is supplied to a plane 10 a (i.e., a medal release plane) that includes the medal releasing port 18 thereon and is arranged within the game device main body 10. Further, “a” is herein set as the pivot angle of the transporting unit 15 d. In FIG. 7, for instance, the CPU 31 a calculates α based on the formula “α=|DM−90 (degrees)|”. When the pivot angle α of the transporting unit 15 d is thus calculated, the CPU 31 a recognizes the division result LM (=Lo/cos α) as the transporting distance of the medal. The CPU 31 a then stores the transporting distance LM in the RAM 30 b.

Next, the CPU 31 a reads out from the RAM 30 b the transporting distance LM (cm) of the medal and the aforementioned transporting speed VBf of the medal (i.e., the transporting speed of the belts 215 d or the set transporting speed; cm/sec). The CPU 31 a then divides the transporting distance LM (cm) of the medal by the set transporting speed VBf (cm/sec) and recognizes the division result T2 (=LM/VBf) as the transporting time. The CPU 31 a then stores the transporting time T2 in the RAM 30 b.

It should be noted that the medal is supplied from the shutter disposed above the rotary unit 315 d to the transporting unit 15 d. Therefore, the aforementioned position Po on the transporting unit 15 d where the medal is supplied is set to be a position of the rotary axis of the rotary unit 315 d.

When the control required time TS (=the pivot time T1+the transporting time T2) is set as described above, the CPU 31 a sets the moving speed VI of the medal image MG to be displayed on the touch panel 14 based on the control required time TS (Step S12).

For example, the CPU 31 a firstly calculates a position PK (an intersection position). The position PK is herein set as a position where a straight line extending from the center of the medal image MG displayed on the touch panel 14 along the moving direction HS of the game player's finger intersects with the medal release plane 10 a including the medal releasing port 18 thereon. Next, the CPU 31 a sets the moving speed VI of the medal image MG based on the aforementioned control required time TS and a length LG of a line segment connecting the final contact position PSo and the intersection position PK (i.e., the moving distance of the medal image MG). More specifically, the CPU 31 a calculates the moving speed VI of the medal image MG (=LG/TS) by dividing the length LG (i.e., the moving distance of the medal image MG) by the aforementioned control required time TS. The CPU 31 a then stores the moving speed VI of the medal image MG in the RAM 30 b.

It should be noted that the moving distance LG of the medal image MG is the sum of a distance LG 1 (an actual moving distance) and a distance LG2 (a virtual moving distance). The distance LG1 is herein set as an actual moving distance of the medal image MG on the touch panel 14, whereas the distance LG2 is set as a virtual moving distance of the medal image MG from the top side of the touch panel 14 to the medal release plane 10 a. Further, when calculating the moving distance LG, the actual moving distance LG1 and the virtual moving distance LG2 of the medal image MG, the CPU 31 a stores the calculated distances LG, LG1 and LG2 in the RAM 30 b.

Next, the CPU 31 a issues a command for moving the medal image MG on the touch panel 14 (a start-moving command). In response to the start-moving command, the touch panel 14 displays the medal image MG moving at the aforementioned moving speed VI (i.e., the moving speed calculated in Step S12) in the moving direction HS of the game player's finger (Step S13). More specifically, the touch panel 14 displays the medal image MG moving from the center position of the medal image MG towards the intersection position PK at the aforementioned moving speed VI.

On the other hand, the transporting unit 15 d prepares for releasing a real medal when the CPU 31 a issues the start-moving command of the medal image MG (Step S14). Putting the above contents together, the medal image MG starts moving on the touch panel 14 while the transporting unit 15 d prepares for releasing the real medal.

First, the CPU 31 a herein sets the transporting speed VB of the transporting unit 15 d (i.e., the belts 215 d). For example, the CPU 31 a reads out the set transporting speed VBf from the RAM 30 b and sets the transporting speed VBf herein read out from the RAM 30 as the transporting speed VB of the belts 215 d. Accordingly, the transporting unit 15 d (i.e., the belts 215 d) moves at the set transporting speed VBf in response to a command from the CPU 31 a. Specifically, the CPU 31 a issues a control command to the driving motor (not illustrated in the figures) for driving the pulleys over which the belts 215 d are stretched. Accordingly, the rotary speeds of the pulleys are controlled by the driving motor and the both belts 215 d circulate at the set transporting speed VBf.

Next, the CPU 31 a issues a command for causing the transporting unit 15 d to pivot (i.e., a start-pivoting command). The CPU 31 a then causes the transporting unit 15 d to pivot to the moving direction HS of the game player's finger, i.e., the pivot angle DM of the transporting unit 15 (i.e., the paired belts 215 d). Accordingly, the release direction DM is set for the medal. Specifically, the CPU 31 a issues a control command to the driving motor (not illustrated in the figures) for driving the rotary unit 315 d. Accordingly, the driving motor rotates the rotary unit 315 d in the direction indicated by the pivot angle DM. The transporting unit 15 d pivots in conjunction with the rotation of the rotary unit 315 d, and the release direction DM is set for the medal. It should be noted that the transporting unit 15 is directed at the pivot angle DM of 90 degrees in the initial position thereof.

When the transporting unit 15 d then stops pivoting, the CPU 31 a issues a shutter opening command and the shutter is accordingly opened. A single or a plurality of medals is then supplied from the rotary disc 115 b to the transporting unit 15 d, and the transporting unit 15 d transports the supplied medal/medals (Step S15). Specifically, the shutter is opened and the number of medals corresponding to the aforementioned contact frequency KS is supplied from the rotary disc 115 b to the belts 215 d. The single or the plurality of supplied medals is then transported to the medal releasing port 18 while being interposed between the belts 215 d circulating at the aforementioned set transporting speed VBf.

Putting the above contents together, when the CPU 31 a issues the start-moving command of the medal, the touch panel 14 displays a state that the medal image MG starts moving while the transporting speed VB of the transporting unit 15 d is set to be the set transporting speed VBf. The transporting unit 15 d then starts pivoting within the game device main body 10. When the release direction DM is set for the medal in conjunction with the pivot of the transporting unit 15 d, the transporting unit 15 d transports a single or a plurality of medals within the game device main body 10 while the touch panel 14 displays a moving state of the medal image MG. Further, the single or the plurality of medals transported by the transporting unit 15 d is released from the medal releasing port 18 towards the medal accumulating unit 11 when a predetermined period of time elapses after the medal image MG is moved away (i.e., disappears) from display range of the touch panel 14 (Step S16).

When the numeric value of CN1, explained with reference to FIG. 6, is herein two or greater, two or more medals are consecutively released one by one from the medal releasing port 18 towards the medal accumulating unit 11. The position of the transporting unit 15 d is fixed at this phase and the medals are thereby released definitely in the same direction at the same speed.

When the single or the plurality of released medals reaches the medal accumulating unit 11, at least one of the medals having accumulated so far on the medal accumulating unit 11 can be pushed and fallen into the medal falling hole 16 by the pusher unit 12 a reciprocating back and forth due to the released medal/medals newly accumulated thereon. The pushed and fallen medal/medals is/are then discharged to the medal receiving port 17. A game player can obtain the medal/medals through the medal receiving port 17.

It should be noted that the predetermined period of time in Step S16 corresponds to a period of time calculated by dividing the virtual moving distance LG2 by the moving speed VI of the medal image MG. With the configuration of releasing a medal from the medal releasing port 18 after elapse of the predetermined period of time, a visual effect can be herein achieved as if a medal were shot towards the medal accumulating unit 11 through the game device main body 10 after the medal image MG were moved within and then moved away (i.e., disappeared) from the display range of the touch panel 14.

Finally, an exemplary manner for a game player to operate the present medal game device 1 will be hereinafter explained. First, the game player aims at the medal image MG displayed on the touch panel 14 as an operating target and touches his/her finger onto the touch panel 14. When herein intending to release a plurality of medals, the game player repeatedly touches his/her finger onto the touch panel 14 plural times corresponding to the intended number of medals. When the game player then moves his/her finger in contact with the touch panel 14 in a desired direction at a desired speed, the releasing direction and the releasing speed of the real medal are set as illustrated in FIG. 4. Subsequently, the touch panel 14 displays a state that the medal image MG is moved in conjunction with the movement of the game player's finger, as illustrated in FIG. 6. During display of the medal image MG, the transporting unit 15 d of the medal releasing mechanism 15 pivots (see FIG. 7) and a single or a plurality of the real medals is transported in the transporting unit 15 d (see FIG. 2). The medal image MG is then moved within the display range of the touch panel 14. Further, the real medal is released towards the medal accumulating unit 11 at the timing when the medal image MG is moved away (i.e., disappears) from the display range of the touch panel 14, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

According to the present medal game device 1, the aforementioned game player's operation makes it possible to release the medal towards the medal accumulating unit 11 as if the medal image MG, displayed and moved on the touch panel 14, were actually released from the medal releasing port 18. According to the present medal game device 1, in other words, a game player can experience amusement that he/she intuitively operates the real medal/medals without actually touching the real medal/medals while aiming at the medal image MG as a operating target and amusement as if the medal image MG, moved on the touch panel 14, were changed into and released as the real medal.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

(a) In the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the pusher game device has been described as an exemplary medal game device 1. However, the medal game device 1 can be of any suitable types as long as it is configured to release a single or a plurality of medals towards the medal accumulating unit 11 disposed within the game device main body 10. For example, the medal game device 1 can be configured to pay out a single or a plurality of medals based on the number of medals reaching the medal accumulating unit 11, points calculated based on the number of medals reaching the medal accumulating unit 11 and etc.

(b) In the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, an exemplary case has been described that the single touch panel 14 is at least partially used as the detection target region RK. However, at least a single touch panel 14 can be entirely set as the detection target region RK, while at least a single display panel of a non-contact type can be used as a region exclusively used for display. In this case, when a game player's finger is moved in contact with at least the single touch panel (the detection target region RK), the CPU 31 a detects the moving state of the game player's finger. Accordingly, both of the touch panel 14 (i.e., the detection target region RK) and the display panel of a non-contact type display a moving state of the medal image MG based on the moving state of the game player's finger. The configuration can also achieve the same advantageous effects as those of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment.

(c) In the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the exemplary case has been described that a single or a plurality of medals is transported in the transporting unit 15 d after the transporting unit 15 d pivots. However, the transporting unit 15 d can be configured to simultaneously pivot and transport a single or a plurality of medals. In this case, the control required time TS is not set to be the sum of the pivot time T1 and the transporting time T2. Instead, the pivot time T1 and the transporting time T2 are compared, and a larger one of them (i.e., either the pivoting time T1 or the transporting time T2) is used as the control required time TS. The transporting unit 15 d can be herein ready for releasing a single or a plurality of medals in a shorter time than the aforementioned exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the medal game device 1 can be more efficiently controlled. The configuration can also achieve the same advantageous effects as those of the aforementioned exemplary embodiment.

(d) In the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, the exemplary case has been described that a game player's finger is moved in contact with the touch panel 14 within a region displaying the medal image MG (e.g., the center part of the medal image MG). However, the position of the game player's finger on the touch panel 14 is not particularly limited as long as it is included within the detection target region RK. For example, when the game player's finger is moved in contact with the touch panel 14 outside the region displaying the medal image MG, the medal image MG can be displayed and a real medal can be released similarly to the aforementioned exemplary embodiment by detecting the moving state of the game player's finger similarly to the aforementioned exemplary embodiment.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

Overall, according to the medal game device of the present invention, a game player is allowed to shoot a medal into the medal game device with a body sensory experience as if he/she slid the medal on a table in the real world without directly touching the medal. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a type of medal shooting adjustment that has never achieved in the well-known medal game devices.

Simply put, when a game player's finger is moved in contact with the position input device (e.g., a touch pad or a touch panel), a medal is released towards the inside of the medal game device from the medal releasing mechanism separately provided from the position input device in accordance with the moving direction, the speed, the distance and etc. of the game player's finger. Unlike monotonous operations to be executed in the well-known medal game devices, a game player is allowed to freely operate a medal in the medal game device of the present invention while experiencing a feeling as if the medal were slid on the table in the real world. Therefore, a game player can experience amusement of intuitively operating a medal with a variety of operating manners.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be used for a medal game device including a pusher mechanism configured to drop a medal from an edge of a table by means of reciprocation of a moving body, a plate-shaped position input device and a medal releasing mechanism configured to release a medal towards the table based on the information of contact and movement of an instruction means with respect to the position input device.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A medal game device comprising: a table being configured to keep a medal on a surface thereof, the table including an edge; a pusher mechanism including a moving body, the pusher mechanism being configured to drop a medal from the edge of the table by reciprocally moving the moving body; a plate-shaped position input device being configured for a user to input a command; a medal releasing mechanism being configured to release the medal towards the table based on the command; an instruction position recognizing section being configured to recognize a contact position of instruction means onto the plate-shaped position input device; a moving state detecting section being configured to detect how the instruction means moves on the plate-shaped position input device while the instruction means is in contact with the plate-shaped position input device; and a mechanism controlling section being configured to control the medal releasing mechanism in releasing the medal based on the moving state of the instruction means.
 2. The medal game device according to claim 1, further comprising a first image displaying section being configured to display an image of the medal moving on the plate-shaped position input device based on how the instruction means moves, wherein the plate-shaped position input device is a touch panel having an image displaying function.
 3. The medal game device according to one of claim 1, wherein the plate-shaped position input device has a detection target region on the surface of the position input device for detecting how the instruction means moves on the plate-shaped input device, the detection target region is preliminarily set, and the moving state detecting section is configured to detect how the instruction means moves on the detection target region by recognizing the contact position as a reference point.
 4. The medal game device according to one of claim 1, wherein the mechanism controlling section is configured to set a releasing direction of the medal in the medal releasing mechanism corresponding to a moving direction of the instruction means and set a releasing speed of the medal corresponding to at least one of a moving speed and a moving distance of the instruction means.
 5. The medal game device according to claim 4, further comprising an image controlling section being configured to control how the image of the medal moves on the plate-shaped position input device, wherein the plate-shaped position input device is a touch panel having an image displaying function, the image controlling section is configured to set a period of time required for controlling the medal releasing mechanism to release the medal based on the moving direction of the instruction means and at least one of the moving speed and the moving distance of the instruction means, the image controlling section is configured to set a speed of the medal being displayed on the touch panel based on the period of time, and the first image displaying section is configured to display on the touch panel the image of the medal moving at the speed.
 6. The medal game device according to one of claim 1, further comprising a contact frequency recognizing section being configured to recognize how many times the instruction means is in contact to the plate-shaped position input device; and a second image displaying section being configured to display the number of medals corresponding to how many times the instruction means is in contact to the plate-shaped position input device, wherein the plate-shaped position input device is a touch panel having an image displaying function, and the mechanism controlling section is configured to cause the medal releasing mechanism to release the number of medals corresponding to how many times the instruction means is in contact to the plate-shaped position input device.
 7. A medal game device configured to release a medal towards a release target region disposed within a housing thereof based on information of contact and movement, of an instruction means with respect to a plate-shaped position input device, the medal game device comprising: an instruction position recognizing section being configured to recognize a contact position of the instruction means onto the position input device when the instruction means is contacted onto the position input device; a moving state detecting section configured to detect how the instruction means moves based on the contact position of the instruction means; and a mechanism controlling section configured to control the medal releasing mechanism and cause the medal releasing mechanism to release the medal based on how the instruction means moves.
 8. A control method for controlling a medal game device configured to release a medal towards a release target region disposed within a housing thereof based on information of contact and movement of an instruction means with respect to a plate-shaped position input device, the method comprising: recognizing a contact position of the instruction means onto the position input device when the instruction means is contacted to the position input device; detecting how the instruction means moves in the position input device based on the contact position of the instruction means; and controlling a medal releasing mechanism and causing the medal releasing mechanism to release the medal based on how the instruction means moves on the position input device. 